Hurricanes vs Blues

Big Patrick Tuipulotu crashes over for the game's first try against the Hurricanes in Wellington.

The Hurricanes have been beaten for the first time this season, after going down in a thrilling contest against New Zealand rivals the Blues 19-25 at ...

The rampaging backrower showed glimpses of his generational gifts, including some brilliant work on defence – making 18 tackles and missing just one. The flanker made 15 tackles without missing any – the best tackle percentage out of any Canes player in double digits. The 25-year-old was penalised for a spear tackle, but avoided any further action due to mitigating circumstances. Whenever you watch the Hurricanes play, the lock is always in the thick of the action – and tonight, that fact was no different. The second-rower was the go-to player at the lineout, and also made an incredible 15 tackles. The All Black was replaced in the 72nd minute, having well and truly earned a rest. Other than that, the All Black made his mark on the defensive side of the ball with eight tackles and was accurate at the set-piece. Coles, who was given the captaincy in Ardie Savea’s absence, held his own throughout an otherwise tough first half for the Hurricanes. Numia was solid at the set-piece for the Canes – although, the game didn’t have too many scrums. While he was quiet for periods of the match on Saturday, Roigard still managed to do what was asked of him. After a quiet period in the first half, Rayasi really hit his stride in the first 20 minute of the second half. While it was probably his quietest performance of the season so far, Barrett still played a key part in the Canes’ resurgence and fight.

The Blues held on to beat the Hurricanes 25-19 in a blockbuster game of Super Rugby Pacific in Wellington.

Tyrel Lomax and Xavier Numia were the anchors of a very good scrum, while Peter Lakai was prominent with ball in hand. Leading 22-5 at half-time the Blues dominated the first half and looked to go on. Dalton Papalii and Hoskins Sotutu were outstanding for the Blues in the forwards, and Stephen Perofeta shone at fullback.

The Blues have held on to beat the Hurricanes 25-19 in a sloppy, ill-disciplined evening of Super Rugby action in the capital.

The nerves in the Blues pack appeared to be showing in the final moments when the Hurricanes earned a penalty at a Blues scrum near the Auckland line, giving the hosts a chance to steal a win much like the Fijian Drua had against the Crusaders hours before. The Hurricanes could have had another try had it not been for a superb tackle from in-form Blues halfback Finlay Christie, he swept across the field to tackle the much-larger Barrett into touch as he looked to finish off a brave run from the Hurricanes. But from there the match started to fall apart with the Hurricanes reduced to 14 men off poor discipline from lock Isaia Walker-Leawere who interfered with the ball at a Blues ruck while clearly off his feet.

A historic night ahead at Wellington's Sky Stadium, where the first ever Hurricanes double header takes place. The Hurricanes Poua host the Blues in round.

Watch as Salesi Rayasi delivers an outstanding offload in the build-up to a Josh Moorby try in the Hurricanes' loss to the Blues in Wellington on Saturday.

The Hurricanes were fastest out of the blocks after the restart with Rayasi crossing for their second try after running onto a pass from Roigard. That was the last time the Hurricanes would score points, however, as a penalty from Stephen Perofeta would secure the visitors’ victory. Live & On Demand on the Home of Rugby, Stan Sport. ↳ Hurricanes v Blues, LIVE NOW. [Hurricanes](https://www.planetrugby.com/team/hurricanes) on the attack inside the [Blues](https://www.planetrugby.com/team/blues)‘ 22 in the 50th minute, [Rayasi](https://www.planetrugby.com/tag/Salesi-Rayasi/) gathered a pass from Cam Roigard before being tackled by AJ Lam. Hurricanes flyer Salesi Rayasi caught the eye with an outstanding offload in his team’s 25-19 defeat to the Blues in their Super Rugby Pacific derby in Wellington on Saturday.